The Role of Yin and Yang in Acupuncture

Yin and Yang are important concepts at the core of acupuncture treatment. Yin/Yang imbalances can cause many physical ailments ranging from poor circulation to headaches to gastrointestinal problems.

What are Yin and Yang?

Yin and Yang are manifestations of Qi, the life force that runs through your body. When Qi becomes blocked at some point in your body, pain and other physical symptoms can occur. Freeing the blockages with carefully placed acupuncture needles helps balance Yin and Yang.

Yin and Yang are opposite forces that balance each other. Yang is generally warm, creative and active, while yin is colder and nurturing. Although yin meant moon and yang meant sun originally, the concept of yin and yang has expanded to included many opposite states, places and conditions. Yin is earth, while yang is heaven. Yang is male and yin is female.

Everything contains both yin and yang. For example, a sunny day is the classic example of yang, but where there is sun, there are also shadows (yin). Ensuring that either yin or yang does not become dominant is important in maintaining good health.

What Role Does Yin and Yang Theory Play in Acupuncture?

Before your treatment begins, your acupuncture provider will conduct a thorough examination and ask you questions about your symptoms, diet, habits and lifestyle. This information will help him or her determine if there is a problem with your yin/yang balance and identify the area of concern.

Weak yang can make it easier for infections and inflammation to develop, while a yin deficiency might cause diarrhea. If your yin and yang are not in balance, your immune system weakens, and it’s much easier for pathogens and bacteria to cause an illness.

The exterior of your body is dominated by yang, while the interior is primarily yin. If you suddenly become ill, the illness first affects the outer layers of your body and is considered yang. Diseases that become chronic settle deeper into your body and are considered yin. Severe symptoms that occur suddenly are yang, while milder symptoms that also include weakness are yin.

Qi flows through your body in a series of meridians. Once your acupuncture practitioner determines the cause of your imbalance, he or she will insert acupuncture needles at the appropriate meridian, which may be located far from the part of your body experiencing the symptoms.

Other Methods to Balance Yin and Yang

Your acupuncture practitioner may also suggest several other types of treatments in addition to acupuncture that can be helpful in improving yin/yang balance, such as herbal medications, massage or cupping. He or she may also recommend that you increase your fitness level, try meditation or make dietary changes, as the foods you eat, the thoughts you think, and the things you do affect your health and your yin/yang harmony.

Acupuncture treatments offer a drug-free way to overcome or manage many health conditions. Call us today to learn how we can help you improve your physical and mental health.

If you suffer from anxiety but would like to avoid taking medication to manage the condition, you have several natural treatment options (including acupuncture!). The following three natural methods for managing anxiety will help you feel calmer and more in control.

Herbal Treatments

Breathing essential oils, such as lavender, can help you feel calmer. Try putting a few drops on your collarbone or placing the oil in an aromatherapy diffuser. Herbal supplements are another option. Both lemon balm and passionflower are helpful in reducing anxiety, excitability and nervousness. Prefer your supplement in liquid form? Brew a cup of chamomile tea and sip your worries away.

Meditation

Meditation is an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety. It involves clearing your mind of all thoughts and focusing on an image or a mantra, which is a word or series of words that you repeat. Meditating just a few minutes daily can help reduce anxiety, decrease blood pressure and muscle tension, and improve your ability to concentrate.

GABA Supplements

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, or GABA, works by blocking brain cells that play a part in anxiety. If your GABA level is too low, you may experience anxiety and panic attacks. Taking GABA supplements can, not only reduce anxiety and improve your mood, but may also lower blood pressure and help you burn fat more efficiently.